Quoting Columba (Reply 1):interesting but it was likely to happen but what about the C130J ?

My guess is Israel will place an order for 40 C-130Js by the end of the year, then an order for 15 A-400Ms about the end of 2009. They need to begin replacing their C-130Es soon, and later on the C-130Hs. I also see a C-17A order coming from them in mid to late 2009 to begin replacing El-Al B-747Fs

Quoting KC135TopBoom (Reply 2):I also see a C-17A order coming from them in mid to late 2009 to begin replacing El-Al B-747Fs

TopBoom, I'm not questioning your expertise and experience, but what makes you see an order from Israel for C-17's, which are (I think) a lot more expensive to operate than El-Al's B-747F's? That's a mighty big aircraft (and my favorite!) for such a small country that doesn't do too much outside her borders. Countries bordering Israel are exempted from that statement obviously!

Quoting KC135TopBoom (Reply 2):My guess is Israel will place an order for 40 C-130Js by the end of the year, then an order for 15 A-400Ms about the end of 2009. They need to begin replacing their C-130Es soon, and later on the C-130Hs. I also see a C-17A order coming from them in mid to late 2009 to begin replacing El-Al B-747Fs

Like already mentioned, even with U.S. aid, they can only muster buying half a dozen examples of the J-herc. And this deal has been 10 years in the making. The IDF/AF would be lucky to replace their E/H hercs at a one-to-one ratio with Js. El Al's cargo fleet has practically nothing to do with the military, and is not in any real need for replacement anyways (LY currently has 4 B742F/C/SFs). When the time comes they will be replaced with 747-400s.

By the way, the only IDF/AF replacement project that's been put off more times than the C-130J purchase is the replacement of the 707 fleet. The 707's SIGINT and ECM duties have been taken over by other platforms (most notably the G550), and VIP flights are now mostly outsourced (although the G550 recently stepped in for that role too, despite the fact all 7 examples are in operational configuration) but there is still no viable replacement for the A/R function. While studies were undertaken over a decade ago, no decision was reached, and in the meantime more 707's were converted to tankers.

Quoting KC135TopBoom (Reply 2):My guess is Israel will place an order for 40 C-130Js by the end of the year, then an order for 15 A-400Ms about the end of 2009. They need to begin replacing their C-130Es soon, and later on the C-130Hs. I also see a C-17A order coming from them in mid to late 2009 to begin replacing El-Al B-747Fs

You are joking right ? Israel only has 20 C130s and you suggest them to buy 40 C130Js, 15 A400M (totally ridiculous for Israel anyway) and C17s on top of that......you were joking, were you ?

It will forever be a McDonnell Douglas MD 80 , Boeing MD 80 sounds so wrong

Quoting LY744 (Reply 5):By the way, the only IDF/AF replacement project that's been put off more times than the C-130J purchase is the replacement of the 707 fleet. The 707's SIGINT and ECM duties have been taken over by other platforms (most notably the G550), and VIP flights are now mostly outsourced (although the G550 recently stepped in for that role too, despite the fact all 7 examples are in operational configuration) but there is still no viable replacement for the A/R function. While studies were undertaken over a decade ago, no decision was reached, and in the meantime more 707's were converted to tankers.

Since I would rule out Airbus here, too, I can see a Boeing BBJ take over the VIP flights and a KC 767 as a tanker. Maybe even a conversion of old passenger jets.

It will forever be a McDonnell Douglas MD 80 , Boeing MD 80 sounds so wrong

Quoting LY744 (Reply 5):Like already mentioned, even with U.S. aid, they can only muster buying half a dozen examples of the J-herc.

Quoting Columba (Reply 6):You are joking right ? Israel only has 20 C130s and you suggest them to buy 40 C130Js, 15 A400M (totally ridiculous for Israel anyway) and C17s on top of that......you were joking, were you ?

My Lockheed retiree magazine states, IAF is in discussion for 3 to 5 J's with options on a like amount.